Northern California Style

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Looking at the Coat Closet..

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Happy 2019. It’s chilly here in Northern California and though I was lucky to get away to Hawaii during the holidays, it feels colder than usual back here in Northern Cal. With the cold weather and the rain, we are stuck indoors, so I like to start the new year by taking stock, purging and cleaning out. The first place I usually begin is with the entry coat closet! Any coats we haven’t worn as of yet this season could go and are just taking up space. (No not sparking joy either.) Some of my own were looking a bit shabby, one had a moth hole, and another just was beginning to fit tight. (I have no idea why that could be happening! – Another thing to work on in the coming year.)

My quick coat closet survey helped me realize that many of the coats we have could be donated. (Look for a One Warm Coat donation spot in your area to help those who need warm things now.) I noted that even me, who shops pretty often, could use some upgraded outerwear. Have you noticed long coats are back? I do love a nice coat and yes even here in California it’s nice to not wear fleece or a puffer all the time. It’s easy to get into that habit, but it can look too casual and has not a lot of style. The other thing is a nice structured coat can give you a better look overall, and a more streamlined silhouette.

Coats take a beating and it’s worth it to refresh every few years or so. This is the time to get a good coat and even a few deals, as we all know spring clothes will be in the stores before Valentines is even here and those after Christmas markdowns are already happening. Coats will be harder to find in month and if you don’t do it now, there you will be next year with a closet full of shabby coats that fit poorly that you should have purged. Right? Okay so let’s do this! You need one or two nice coats that look updated and are flattering.

You could also check your local shops too. (You know I love to support local small businesses!) I just found the Emerson Fry coat above at my favorite new local boutique called Parker in Willow Glen. I am having fun with this coat styling it different ways. (Check out Parker when you can. Brenda is the owner and has a great eye and packs a lot of stylish options in a small shop in the old Garden Theater mall.)

Nothing makes you look more put together than a nice jacket or coat. Get rid of anything shlumpy, faded, fraying and just plain outdated! Think you are going to sew that button on? If you haven’t done it, maybe donate it instead. Are you cold? Many of the newer coats have some terrific insulating materials and the older I get, the more I care about warmth as well. Below are just a few of my favorites online right now.

I have to start with this beautiful rendition of a vintage faux leopard coat by Emerson Fry. It is flipping gorgeous and is one of those statement pieces that will give your wardrobe a coolness factor. This particular item isn’t on sale, but the price is right being made domestically and by a quality company. It’s worth the splurge with your extra holiday dinero if you have any left.
This Bernardo packable long jacket is now just $66 and I dig this teal green. This is a stylish topper for all those errands, can cover your backside when you wear leggings, and not too heavy. I’d call this California weight, so it is not for Chicago unless you are layering it with a real coat.
This stylish water resistant puffer from Banana looks cute with the sash tied behind in the back as well as the front. It comes in khaki as well and would be great from now and until spring. I am in love with the sleeves and the obi style belt!
I adore the pretty pink of this Charles Grey London coat. I think it’s nice to have a statement piece or two in your coat wardrobe and who wouldn’t feel pretty putting this on? It’s made in England so you know this isn’t going to be a flimsy piece of wool.
This burgundy menswear style coat from Avec Les Filles, is the perfect foil for all those deep winter tones. I would dress this classic up with scarves and tall boots as well as sneakers and jeans to look hip.
This coat looks modern in its length and a tweed with the prettiest blue running through This Sam Edelman coat  is something you can be rough on as tweed wears well. You also don’t need to be de-linting yourself every time you out it on, which is nice. Again it can be dressed up or used as your everyday go to.
This gorgeous Fluerette Coat is made of Loro Piana wool from Italy and is exquisite. Coats made of this special Italian wool cost a small fortune, but I am featuring this coat as it was nearly $1,000 and has been marked down to $498. It’s a beautiful piece and is a great price if you are looking to buy better things that will last.
Faux fur coats are hot this year and feel as cozy as they look. This version by Leith seems to have a nice shape and feel about that doesn’t scream bathrobe as a lot of them can. You have to make sure they lay right and don’t make you look like a small bear. I love this color and would wear this daytime as well as night.
I had to add this edgy wool plaid coat as it reminds me of my favorite 1980’s toppers that were oversized, manly and worn by all the cool girls with those asymmetrical haircuts. Does that bring anyone else back? This updated version has hot pink details on the button holes and the lining which make it super cute and I can see some of the younger gals rocking this coat as well.
I’m a sucker for baby blue and this Tahari wrap coat is really lovely and is on sale until the 15th of January at Bloomies. It just looks luxe and cozy and expensive.
Lastly, my friend Ani and I are forever searching for the perfect peacoat. We loved those old J.Crew ones. I think this may be the best version yet to replace those. This Emerson Fry peacoat is gorgeous and a cashmere wool blend so it is not too heavy. I love everything about Emerson Fry, and of course it’s made in America.
Okay that was eleven. Sorry I had to add this peacoat as it was perfection!

I hope you all have a cozy week! It’s going to be a wet one here in California, so see what you can purge and donate and treat yourself to something warm if you can.

Kim



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